Central Otago wines have been awarded 20 gold medals in the 2014 Air New Zealand Wine Awards, announced yesterday.
Eleven of the 25 pure gold medals awarded in the pinot noir - the strongest performer in this year's awards - category went to wines made in the region.
Chair of judges Michael Brajkovich, Master of Wine, said the pinot noir was ''outstanding'' with the 2013 vintage contributing to 13 of the medals awarded in the category.
''These wines are ripe and concentrated, but with wonderful acid balance and length on the palate''.
This year's entries were judged by an independent panel of 26 judges, including international judges David Brookes, a freelance wine journalist and Sebastian Braun, wine buyer for Swedish retail monopoly Systembolaget.
In total, 1552 wines were entered in 16 different classes, with 112 gold medals, 226 silver and 411 bronze medals handed out.
Elite Gold Medal and trophy winners will be announced at a black tie dinner in Hawkes Bay on November 22.
Central Otago Pure Gold Medal winners:Champion Pinot Noir - Akarua Pinot Noir 2013; Akarua RUA Pinot Noir 2013; Akitu A2 2013; Archangel Pinot Noir 2013; Gibbston Valley Glenlee Pinot Noir 2013; Hawkdun Rise Pinot Noir 2011; Hawkdun Rise Pinot Noir 2012; Kuru Kuru Pinot Noir 2013; Lowburn Ferry Home Block Pinot Noir 2013; Mondillo Pinot Noir 2013; Wooing Tree Pinot Noir 2012.
Champion Chardonnay - Invivo Michelle's Central Otago Chardonnay 2013.
Champion Other White Styles and Rose - Terra Sancta Estate Pinot Noir Rose 2014.
Champion Syrah - Church Road McDonald Series Syrah 2012Champion Sparkling White Wine - Akarua Vintage Brut 2010Champion Open Red Wine - Akarua Pinot Noir 2013; Wooing Tree Pinot Noir 2012Champion Exhibition White or Sparkling Wine - Mount Michael Pinot Gris 2014; Terra Sancta Lola's Block Pinot Gris 2013; Terra Sancta Riverblock Chardonnay 2013Champion Exhibition Red Wine - Yealands Estate Winemakers Reserve Gibbston Valley Pinot Noir 2013.
